Cases of scarlet fever have trebled this year in Cornwall, as figures reveal the disease is apparently becoming more prevalent.

Since the start of the year, there were 18 cases reported to Public Health England in Cornwall - up from seven in the same period in 2017 which was itself up from the six cases in 2016 and the three incidents the previous year.

Cornwall Live understands there have been at least two cases of scarlet fever, which predominantly affects children between the ages of 2 and 8, in Penzance alone this week.

The PHE stats show that in the week ending February 4, a total of 984 suspected cases of scarlet fever were reported across England and Wales.

The health body is urging GPs, paediatricians, and other health practitioners to be mindful when assessing patients and promptly notify local health protection teams of cases and outbreaks.

(Image: NHS Choices)

The number of reports is much higher than in the fifth week of the year in the previous eight years. There were 440 cases reported in 2017, as well as 411 in 2016, and 76 in 2011.

Since the start of the year, there have been 3,173 cases of scarlet fever reported, up from 1,619 in the same period in 2017, and compared to 269 in 2011.

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Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said: "Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that usually presents with a sore throat, fever, headaches, and a rosy rash that generally starts on a patient’s chest.

"It is very contagious disease and much more common in children under 10 than teenagers or adults, but it can be treated quickly and effectively with a full course of antibiotics and all GPs are trained to diagnose and treat it.

"Scarlet fever used to be a lot more common than it is now, but GPs are noticing more cases than in previous years at the moment. If a patient thinks that they, or their child, might have symptoms, they should seek medical assistance."

Scarlet fever is a very contagious, seasonal bacterial illness that mainly affects children and is not uncommon for this time of year.

The number of scarlet fever cases has trebled in Cornwall in the last 12 months (Image: Wiki Commons)

The latest Health Protection Report showed 6,225 cases of scarlet fever had been reported since mid-September 2017, compared to 3,764 for the same period last season. There were 719 cases reported for the most recent week (22 to 28 January 2018).

This increasing trend is in line with usual patterns although cases are currently higher than those reported at this point in the last four years. It is not possible at this point to determine what the final numbers will be for this season.

The symptoms

Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness.

PHE is advising parents to be on the lookout for scarlet fever symptoms, which include a sore throat, headache and fever with a characteristic fine, pinkish or red rash with a sandpapery feel. If signs of scarlet fever are suspected, it is important to contact your local GP or NHS 111.